Top Reasons to Visit

3

Lithuania TOP reasons to visit

w w w.Lithu ania.travel

The Baltic Sea

4

RUSSIA

Finland Sweden Norway

Estonia

Russia

Latvia Denmark

Lithuania Belarus

The Netherlands Belgium

Poland

Germany Ukraine

Czech Republic

France

Slovak Republic

Switzerland Italy

Austria

Moldova Hungary

Slovenia

Romania

Croatia Bosnia and Herzegovina Serbia Montenegro

Macedonia Albania Greece

Bulgaria

POLAND

5

LATVIA

BELARUS

Motorways Main Roads National Roads Resort

Port Airport

The Dzūkija National Park The Trakai Historical National Park The Aukštaitija National Park The Žemaitija National Park The Curonian Spit National Park

6

You are in

Lithuania!

5th July, 2012 “…I first came to Lithuania when the snow was melting. I came here just by accident while travelling from West to East, from one old culture to another, totally different one. I was in a rush, so there were no plans to make a stop. However, when passing through Lithuania, a strange sense of space and freedom – unlike anywhere else – came into my heart.

And an urge to return…

Therefore, in summer I came here with my entire family. All-surrounding greenness heightened that intoxicating sense of space and freedom.

I could not stop admiring the purest natural water springs, mineral water, overflowing abundance of lakes and rivers seeking to find their way to the sea. Even the rain! It is somehow different here – cosy, romantic, and calling to stumble into an old town bakery, smoked fish bistro or a small amber souvenir shop.

Children got enough of swimming and still share their impressions of a place that is surrounded by mysterious and extraordinary aura – the Hill of Crosses, where, among thousands of others, they left a cross of their own.

They are all the time asking me to remind the name of that traditional funny-coloured cold soup that Lithuanians adore. It is a cold beetroot soup. My wife (who is a diet freak) was particularly delighted by this dish.

It was so amazing when unexpectedly I had to travel to Lithuania for work in autumn! Strange coincidence: I made a wish to come back to Lithuania this summer while standing on the Miracle Tile in the heart of Vilnius – Cathedral Square. Might it be that the tile is really magic?

This time I trusted the country for all the hard-working and peaceful people that I met here. These people know how to work with all their might and party from the heart, they know how to jazz and root for heir favourite basketball team. After joining them I even forgot that I am a foreigner! And the beer was the best, and that strangeness of the local cuisine called “cepelinai” – really delicious... Once I even thought of living here…”

Extract from the diary of John M.

A c t ive leis u re

7

Ski all year

round!

“Snow arena“ in Druskininkai

Snow Arena in Druskininkai is the first winter entertainment complex in the Baltic States that is open all year round. The 8-hectare site is provided with three skiing pistes for mountain skiing and snowboarding.

Snow for Snow Arena is produced using compressed air and cold water, without any chemical or bacterial additives. The average temperature in Snow Arena complex is -2°C, which means that warm clothing is recommended.

Services provided: • A snowboard park; • Equipment, clothing rental and storage facilities; • DruSkiSchool skiing school; • DruFunPark amusement park for children; • Shops, restaurants and bars; • A terrace with a panoramic view.

SNOW ARENA in Druskininkai means excellent pistes, excellent snow, and an excellent location.

Every day, all year round. www.snowarena.lt, www.info.druskininkai.lt

Viln ius City

8

Discover the cosy Old Town of Vilnius

Gedimino prospektas

Didžioji Street

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Neris and Vilnia, the capital of Lithuania is one of the most visited cities in Eastern Europe. The Vilnius Old Town – a Baroque masterpiece as they say – was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Vilnius has long been called Little Rome, North Athens or North Jerusalem.

Approximately 40 churches of various architectural styles stand here, and some authentic buildings with Gothic, Renaissance or Classical features have survived.

The Old Town of Vilnius is small and cosy. Narrow streets and passages will make you disappear in the world of flower-decorated courtyards, churches and museums in no time. Begin your journey at the Gates of Dawn. The miraculous, gracious painting of the Holy Virgin Mary is an attraction for religious people across the world.

Going down Pilies St. and passing the City Hall you will be tempted to visit numerous cafes and restaurants. Look for the Wall of Artists with more than 100 ornate wooden, ceramic or glass plates that contain information about both local and foreign writers and poets who found Vilnius a great place to write in. Listen to street musicians as you go.

Vilnius Ci t y

9

Užupis Angel

Vilniaus senamiesčio panorama

Vilnius Old town view

Literatų Street

Discover St. Anne’s Church. It is a true Gothic marvel, considered a masterpiece by art historians worldwide. Bricks of 33 different profiles were used to build this 15th century sanctuary. As one wellknown legend goes, Napoleon himself was so impressed with the church’s elegance that he wanted to take it back to Paris “in the palm of his hand”. The French soldiers had established a storeroom there and also held war prisoners. In one letter to his wife Napoleon mentioned that Vilnius was a very beautiful city. St. Anne’s Church stands near the Bernardine Monastery and the Church of St. Francis which have features of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical architecture.

The bridge over the river Vilnia will take you to the independent Republic of Užupis, also known as the Montmartre of Vilnius. Its citizens have not only their own Seal (a gold glimmering Angel) but a Constitution as well. Look for Užupis at the beginning of Paupio St. pleasant cafes, art galleries, an eco-market, wine shops and the Tibet square are worth visiting, too. Take Maironio St. up to the observation spot in Subačiaus St. and examine the city’s defence wall, the barbican, and the wonderful panorama of Vilnius Old Town.

Vilnius is one of the few European capitals that can be enjoyed from a bird’s eye view — from a hot air balloon, that is. Interested? www.vilnius-tourism.lt

Curonian Spit (Kur š ių ne rija)

10

Relax in the Lithuanian oasis –

the Curonian Spit!

The Curonian Spit

An unforgettable taste of summer, the soughing of the sea and hot sand – discover all this in the Lithuanian oasis, the Curonian Spit. Watch how quickly the wind covers your footprints in the sand. Close your eyes and feel free. “It feels like standing at the entryway to Heaven,” the French writer Jean-Paul Sartre described his visit to the Curonian Spit.

The narrow and lengthy peninsula, washed by the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon (Kuršių marios), reminds one of a desert. We call it Kuršių nerija (the Curonian Spit). It was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000 as one of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in Europe. The strip of sand, stretching into the sea, has several cosy, neat and picturesque fishermen’s villages: Juodkrantė, Pervalka and Nida.

Juodkrantė is worth visiting because of its quay, the rebuilt old stylish villas, and fishermen’s houses surrounded by gardens and parterres. The Hill of Herons (Garnių kalnas) nearby is home to one of the largest grey heron and cormorant colonies in Europe.

C uro nian S pit ( Kuršių ne r i j a )

11

Juodkrantė

Nida enjoys the largest number of sunny days in Lithuania per year. Another unique feature of this place is the weathercocks.

They used to mark a particular village’s ownership of the kurėnas (a type of sail-ship).

Take a sightseeing walk on the two-kilometre-long Parnidis pathway. It begins in Tylos slėnis (the Valley of Silence) and passes the Nida lighthouse, the biggest one on the Lithuanian coast. The pathway meanders to the Parnidis dune observation spot, a very popular attraction in the Curonian Spit. Here you can observe the Baltic and Curonian Seas, watch the sunset, and feel the unique chemistry of the two bodies of water.

The Nagliai reserve, a unique landscape of drifting dunes, stretches for 9 kilometres - from Juodkrantė to Pervalka.

The Curonian Spit is an unforgettable experience. Rent a nice villa, spend numerous hours in the white dunes that provide cover from the wind, take a swim in the wavy Baltic Sea, and try some fish caught and smoked by local fishermen: bream, eel, and flatfish. Visit the Curonian Spit and you will understand why this place has long been an attraction for tourists and artists.

Once you come here, you’ll want to return again and again! www.visitneringa.com

The land of amber

12

Amber is more

than gold

Baltic amber could be called a living stone. Three elements are hidden in it: air, water and earth. Since many changes took place in nature, resin of trees that grew millions of years ago were laid under the ground and later on repossessed by the sea. The sea polished and finished each and every piece of it. It witnesses the most mysterious secrets of the world’s history and is washed ashore till nowadays.

Amber legend Residents of the Lithuanian seaside have created lots of stories and legends about the origin of amber. One legend says that all pieces of amber are the remains of the castle of the immortal goddess Jūratė who lived in the sea; the castle was destroyed by the pagan god of the thunder and the sky Perkūnas, who wanted to punish her for loving an ordinary mortal fisherman Kąstytis.

Places worth visiting: • Open amber workshop in Palanga. You can observe the entire process of amber processing here, starting from raw material and ending with the finishing and decoration. What is more, you will also have an opportunity to purchase some amber articles and have a small talk with the craftsmen.

The land o f am b e r

13

“Amber relax luxus“, SPA centre

“Juodkrantė Treasure”, Kazimieras Mizgiris photo, Amber Gallery-Museum, Šv. Mykolo St. 8, Vilnius

”Sun Stone”, Kazimieras Mizgiris photo Amber Gallery-Museum, Šv. Mykolo St. 8, Vilnius

• The beauty and diversity of amber can be seen at the Palanga Amber Museum. The museum was established in 1963, in a spacious palace which was built by the noblemen family Tiškevičiai in 1897. Over 4500 amber articles are exhibited in 15 halls of the museum. Among the most interesting exhibitions of the Amber Museum are amber inclusions and archeological findings.

• Nida, Palanga and Vilnius have galleries where you can make your own personal amber decorations.

Unique amber therapy Baltic Sea amber includes large amounts of amber acid, which has different therapeutic properties due to its unique and long history of development. When visiting Vilnius, you should visit the Amber and mineral therapy centre. You can test the innovative radial – energetic therapy, which can be found nowhere else in the world. This centre contains massage tables, sauna, cosmetic products, as well as instruments made of Baltic amber are used here.

Did you know that...

• There is an opportunity to try some amber tea in Lithuania; • You can purchase amber incense or soap; • You can purchase jewellery from a wide assortment of amber.

There are nearly 300 deposits of amber in the world, but it is Baltic amber (succinite), which contains succinic acid, that is considered the most precious. www.pgm.lt, www.ambergallery.lt, www.ambergift.lt

Resor ts and s pas

14

Revitalize yourself in

Lithuanian resorts!

Fountains in Palanga

Hotel „Vanagupė�

SPA centre

Lithuanian resorts and modern spa centres offer a wide variety of services and quality. Rest in nature, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the exceptional attention of spa workers, relaxing massages, remedial baths and the unique amber therapy. Healthcare specialists will assess your condition and prescribe relevant recreational and rehabilitation treatment procedures.

Flexible prices have been praised by many tourists. Lithuania is becoming a more attractive destination for medical tourism.

Druskininkai is the oldest, most famous healthcare resort in Lithuania. It is an international recreational centre with modern infrastructure and rich in natural resources. The town has 7 mineral water springs, 9 sanatoriums and 1 balneological treatment facility with the latest diagnostics and treatment methods. Feel the effects of ineral, whirlpool, oxygen, herbal and mud baths, and enjoy the salt rooms.

Re so r t s and s p a s

15

Situated in the Nemunas Loops Regional Park, the town of Birštonas has been well known in the entire Russian empire since the 19th century for its balneological treatment facilities.

Relaxing procedures and leisure in nature will take away your fatigue in no time. The spa centres here use natural medical mud and mineral water from springs.

The town of Neringa, situated in the picturesque national park of Curonian Spit, is a prestigious international resort. Its exceptional properties are determined by the unique surrounding nature. In Neringa you will enjoy calm recreation, and fresh, resin-smelling air.

You will be enchanted by the white beaches and the picturesque 50-kilometre-long bicycle trail.

The sea resort of Palanga offers a variety of entertainment and remedial procedures. There are lots of cafes, night clubs and casinos. Have a walk in the Tiškevičiai Palace Park or listen to concerts and poetry on calm August evenings.

Try cold therapy, music therapy, and taste amber tea!

www.visitspas.eu/lithuania, www.spalietuva.lt

Ro mantic tour s

16

Towns surrounded

by water

Ferris Wheel above the lake Zarasas

Trakai

Trakai town Since ancient times, the city of Trakai has been located not far from Vilnius, in a wonderful place of nature, which is full of lakes and constitutes a common theme of songs and poetry. Many years ago, Trakai was the capital of Lithuania and, therefore, became a witness of the Lithuanian Dukes’ times. Right in the middle of Galvė Lake Island, as if a pearl of a rare beauty, sits Trakai castle. Apart from its cultural heritage treasures, Trakai glitters with its charming nature, too. A single walk on the shores of the lake surrounding the town will help you to recuperate and ease your mind.

Learn about Crimean Karaites. Did you know that...

• In the late 14th century Vytautas the Great brought Karaites and Tatars from Crimea and settled them here.

• The Karaites have taught the Lithuanians to pickle cucumbers, but currently they are famous for the traditional Karaite dish called “kibinas”.

Zarasai town The special attention should also be paid to the town that is surrounded by the legends of titans and is located in the North East Lithuania – Zarasai.

It is set among seven lakes so is sometimes called the “town of lakes”.

Ro m ant ic t o u r s

17

Trakai Castle

Mingė village

Homestead in the Mingė village

However, this is not the only reason to visit Zarasai. This small but cosy town and its environs will refresh the soul of the most demanding visitor.

A walk on the observation path at Zarasas Lake, from which a fantastic view of Zarasas Lake and the environs of the town opens, will make an unforgettable impression to anyone seeking for romance and inspiration.

Places to see in Zarasai • Wild nature of Zarasai region which is included in the list of objects least affected by humans.

• Dumblynė Island on the middle of Sartai Lake in Sartai Regional Park that is famous for its 10th -12th century treasures.

• Architectural monuments: architectural folk constructions, the ensemble of ancient palaces, religious buildings and memorial monuments.

Mingė village Mingė village, sometimes called the “Lithuanian Venice”, is a great choice for travellers seeking for peace of mind, the beauty of nature or simply wishing to relax with a fishing-rod in their hands.

• This village is established in the Nemunas Delta Regional Park.

• It is the only street-fishing village in Lithuania, the main street of which is the actual Minija River.

• Mingė village people have been practising fishing since the old times, so the hard-core fishermen will definitely find this place as a paradise on earth.

Get ready for a romantic and impressive trip to the towns surrounded by water. www.trakai-visit.lt, www.zarasai.lt, www.siluteinfo.lt, www.nemunodelta.lt

Go shopping

18

Go shopping and bring something for your family Shopping centre “Mega”

When visiting Lithuania, take the opportunity to buy original clothes, shoes and accessories. You’ll find the widest range of clothing (according to your taste, style and budget) at luxurious supermarkets.

Bring your family some amber jewellery. Only professionals fish for amber (also known as Lithuanian gold) in the Baltic Sea. Smaller bits of amber are washed ashore during storms. There are a few ways to recognize genuine amber: it should float in saline water and have a distinctive resin smell.

Purchase embroidered linen tablecloths, napkins, cloths and sheets, tatted linen caps, gloves and even linen accessories.

In Lithuania linen cloth has been valued for ages. The fashion collections based on ethnical and ecological ideas are still popular at international fashion shows. Linen cloths and handbags are environmentally friendly, useful and practical.

In Lithuania you will find a huge variety of wooden souvenirs and toys that are among the most environmentally friendly and desirable goods in the world. You’ll be charmed by inexpensive and quality

G o sho pp i n g

19

The creation of designer Ramunė Piekautautė

Shopping centre “Europa”

LT Identity

leather works: handbags, belts, purses, file folders, accessories and notebooks. If you want to surprise someone, buy a palm made from dried plants. This kind of souvenir is a guaranteed success.

If you are interested in fashion, wander the streets of Vilnius Old Town – you’ll find many shops and studios of Lithuanian designers.

In Didžioji St. you can find clothes by Ramunė Piekautaitė; in Stiklių St. visit the shop Decolte for Lithuanian designers clothes, perfume and artistic accessories; in Totoriai St. you can take a look at clothes

by Jolanta Rimkutė and Ieva Ševiakovaitė, and in Odminių St. look for the salon of Juozas Statkevičius – the most famous Lithuanian haute couture designer. Statkevičius is well-known not only in Vilnius but also in Paris and New York. In the largest cities of Lithuania you will find clothes by Julija Janus, Sandra Straukaitė, Aleksandras Pogrebnojus and Kristina Kruopienytė.

Furthermore, you will find various boutique and brand shops with classy shoes, fur and various accessories. The locals really like the brand Du broliai (Two Brothers) and guests from abroad are increasingly interested in fur salons Nijolė and Karališkas tigras (Royal Tiger). Lithuania is also known for high quality and relatively cheap gold and silver jewellery.

Here you will find original necklaces from gold and amber. www.balticbuy.lt, www.ona.com

Gastronomic her itage

20

Try yourself how savoury

Lithuanian food is!

Rye bread

The traditional Lithuanian dish - Cepelinai White cottage cheese

The majority of Lithuanian fairy-tales have a similar happy ending: eating and drinking for three days... If you wish to taste the entire Lithuanian cuisine, prepare for a lengthy stay.

The oldest traditional Lithuanian drinks are mead and herbal brandies of various types.

A contemporary restaurant culture not only exists, but thrives in Lithuania. You will find it without any trouble. For every cafe or restaurant owner, quality meals and flawless service are top priorities.

In the Old Town of Vilnius you will find a restaurant/museum (the only one of the kind). Here you can enjoy the 14th – 18th century masterpieces of Lithuanian cuisine – everything that once was available only to the Lithuanian noblemen. Cosy wine shops will offer the best wines from all over the world.

Approximately 200 different sorts of beer are brewed in Lithuania. What’s your favourite? www.inyourpocket.com/lithuania

Nat io nal c ust o m s

21

Dance and have fun the

Lithuanian way!

The open air museum of Lithuania in Rumšiškės

Mardi Gras

Did you know that certain Lithuanian musical instruments are absolutely unique? You won’t find a daudytė (a straight wooden tube made from ash) or wooden bells anywhere else. Another example of the unique cultural heritage is sutartinės – polyphonic songs that are preserved by folklore ensembles.

Visit the town of Rumšiškės museum in the open and see for yourself how different the five regions of Lithuania are in their lifestyle and spoken language. The host brewing beer while singing – something like this can be seen in Aukštaitija. Feast your eyes on chequered textures in the woody Dzūkija. Pat a žemaitukas (a certain pony breed) in Samogitia (Žemaitija) and look for a doghouse with a door in Suvalkija. Feel as if you were a fisherman’s son in Lithuania Minor. Say goodbye to winter with a bang in January – celebrate Shrove Tuesday and eat as many tasty pancakes as you can. In April, during Easter, learn to decorate and roll eggs. On St. John’s Day – which has the shortest night of the year – try jumping over bonfires. Definitely come to Dainų šventė – the best known Song and Dance Celebration in Lithuania.

Try dancing “Suktinis“ (traditional Lithuanian dance) and become familiar with the merry and energetic way of Lithuanian people! www.kernave.org, www.llbm.lt

C u lin ar y her itage

22

Lithuanian beer routes

Biržai region museum Sėla

The beer route runs through all the regions of Lithuania. There are plenty of pubs and bars in Vilnius, where you can get to know the history and production methods of this traditional drink.

One of the oldest Lithuanian breweries is set in Kaunas and has already been working since 1866. Here you can taste some special beer, the production of which was first started in Europe by Lithuanians and see the smallest beer mug in the world.

The world famous brewery is set in Klaipėda. Anyone who is highly interested can visit this brewery, hear about the beer production technologies and the wide assortment of beer that is produced there.

Since ancient times, Northern Lithuania and the land of Biržai have been famous for their brewers and really delicious beer. Historically, almost each and every Lithuanian countryman was making beer and had its own brewing method, which was only passed to his sons.

C ulinar y he rit a g e

23

Since the battles with Swedes destroyed both the castle and the entire town, in the year 1704, people of Biržai showed a great respect and attention to the beer industry – first of all they rebuilt the brewery and only then the actual town hall (municipality).

After the Swedish invasion beer production was quickly recovered.

There was even an order for pubs to sell only the best quality beer for a fair price. Modern brewers still follow this law.

It is best to start the acquaintanceship with Biržai beer and its history from the Biržai museum “Sėla” in the bastion castle palace, which was built by the dukes of the Radvila family in 17th century.

In one of the chambers you can see all the equipment used for brewing. The local folk ensemble will present you the songs about beer, teach you to sing the Biržai beer anthem and invite you to dance together with them. There is no doubt that you will definitely have a chance to sit by the table and try some local beers.

Historically, almost each and every Lithuanian countryman was making beer and had its own brewing method, which was only passed to his sons. www.kaunastic.lt, www.rinkuskiai.lt, www.vilnius-tourism.lt

H erita ge

24

Soviet

heritage Green Bridge

Šaltojo karo

Grūtasmuziejus Park

Grūtas Park

For those interested in Soviet heritage, Lithuania can offer quite a few opportunities to see, get acquainted with and feel the Soviet spirit.

Grūtas park is established near one of the most popular resorts in Lithuania - Druskininkai resort. Its founder Viliumas Malinauskas called the park “Stalin’s world”, as in the territory of 20 ha there are more than 50 statues of Soviet political leaders. Park visitors can climb up on the observation towers or go down into the trenches, which remind of the atmosphere of the concentration camp. In order to enhance the impressions, some typical Soviet dishes can be tasted here.

Cold war atmosphere can be experienced during the visit at Plokštinė Missile Base which in 1962 was secretly completed in the Žemaitija (Samogitia) National Park. This was among the top military secrets, which the Americans only discovered in 1978. There is a great network of tunnels remaining in the base up to now, including 27 m and 34 m deep shafts. Also, a Cold War period museum is opened here, and one can look at different Soviet equipments and weapons.

In 2010 Grūtas park was included in the list of the top ten strangest museums in the world. www.grutoparkas.lt, www.saltojokaromuziejus.lt/en

Nat io nal pa r k s

25

Active recreation in Lithuania!

Travel through five Lithuanian national parks. Experience how green and welcoming Lithuania is.

In summer swim in the crystal clear lakes of the Aukštaitija, Žemaitija and Dzūkija national parks, visit ethnographic villages and mills. Travel on the Lithuanian rivers and lakes – it is one of the most entertaining ways of getting to know the country because you will also be able to visit some historical places while swimming.

Grab a bike and cycle through the most beautiful places in Lithuania. The coastal bicycle trail is 110 kilometres long. Equestrian centres offer various bicycle trips with experienced guides who will tell you the history of cultural and natural monuments.

Fly a hot air balloon – it is a new and interesting way to explore the beautiful Lithuanian landscape! Lithuania takes a leading position in the number of hot air balloons per 1000 people. Maybe you would like to paraglide from the Green Hills (Žaliosios kalvos)? Do a parachute jump from a plane? That can be arranged!

Swim, ride, fly, climb, cycle, walk, play… Get going! www.dzukijosparkas.lt, www.anp.lt, www. zemaitijosnp.lt , www.pajuris.info, www.aktyviospramogos.lt

Unto uc hed nature

26

The homeland of oaks and storks Stork

Oak tree

Juniper Valley in Taurakiemis

Hundred-year-old trees, mysterious wisents and rare endangered birds constitute just a small part of Lithuanian nature. Lay your eyes on the natural places that recall the ancient times and stay for a while in that pure and untouched by human nature. In remote places of green, lovers of nature will definitely experience something special.

Forests cover approximately one third of the Lithuanian mainland, there are 30 regional parks open. More than four thousand various size lakes as well as 30 thousand rivers and streamlets are nestled in this amazing nature of Lithuania.

Birdwatchers that are brave enough to even travel in marshes shall have an opportunity to see the great snipe – an old-timer of the bogged meadows. It is also possible to hear the twittering of the endangered aquatic warbler in Lithuania. If you hear grunting, squealing or yapping while wading in the Lithuanian meadows, this means that there is a corn crake somewhere around. Many can hear the corn crake twittering with its special voice, however, it is a challenge to keep your eyes peeled for it, since this bird can stand still in the grass for hours and hours.

Lithuanian fauna is indeed colourful: we have lynxes, wisents, wild boars, stags, foxes, wolves, ferrets, martens, hares and hedgehogs. www.panmu.lt, www.zygiai.lt

Official name: The Republic of Lithuania.

27 Area: 65 300 km².

Population: 2,988 million (in 2012).

Population density: 45,8 people/km² (cf. 72,5 people/km² in Europe).

Political system: parliamentary democracy. Head of State – President, Executive Power – Government, Legislative Power – The Seimas.

President: Dalia Grybauskaitė (until 2013).

The Republic of Lithuania is a member of the EU and NATO. Joined the Schengen area in 2007.

Time zone: GTM + 2 hours.

Capital: Vilnius. Population: 523 050 (in 2012).

Major cities: Kaunas (population: 311 148), Klaipėda (population: 160 361), Šiauliai (population: 107 875), Panevėžys (population: 98 612) (in 2012).

Official language: Lithuanian (the Baltic languages group).

The majority of citizens also speak Russian, English.

Currency: Lithuanian litas (LTL); (1 EUR = 3,4528 Lt).

Neighbouring states: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, Russia (Kaliningrad).

Cell phone code: +370...

GSM service providers: “Omnitel”, “Bitė”, “Tele2”, “Eurocom”.

Internet: 69% of population use the Internet. High-speed wireless Internet connection is available at most supermarkets, cafes, main streets and hotels of larger cities (usually free of charge).

Information number: +370 700 55 118.

Emergency number: 112 or 911.

Ethnic groups (in 2012): 83,7% Lithuanian, 6,6% Polish, 5,3% Russian, 1,3% Belarusian, 3% other (Ukrainian, Hebrew, Latvian, Tartar etc.).

Religion: 79% Roman Catholics.

Climate: maritime/continental. Average temperature in July is – +16,7°C, January – -5,1°C. Pictures by M. Požerskytė, R. Požerskis, V. Kandrotas, L. Ciūnys, P. Gasiūnas, K. Mizgiris, K. Stalnionytė, I. Druktenė, I. Tiškevičius, SDT photo archive. Cover photos: Vanagupė Hotel; JSC Abiti; Happeak clothing.

Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under The Ministry of Economy Gedimino pr. 38, LT-01104 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel.: + 370 706 64 976, fax: +370 706 64 988, e-mail: vtd@tourism.lt, www.tourism.lt

www.Lithuania.travel 2013 is a special year for Lithuania – for the first time our country will have the opportunity to take over the leadership of the Council of the European Union. Every six months an EU member state has the responsibility to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Therefore, on 1 July, Lithuania will take over the rotating Presidency from Ireland and hold it until January 2014, when the Presidency is to be passed to Greece. Lithuania will be full of European buzz.

About 200 EU meetings will be held in Vilnius, during which the European leaders will discuss issues of significant importance to each and every European Citizen.

The Presidency of the Council of the EU requires much preparation work. The Presidency has to ensure a smooth EU decision-making process, to achieve progress on issues of great importance both to Lithuania and to the whole Europe, to represent the country and to strengthen its hold at the international level.

More information on the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the EU – www.eu2013.lt.

Not for sale.

2

See You in Lithuania!

EN